Happy Deepavali at Parliament House, Canberra
Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and Senator Zed Seselja celebrate Deepavali along with the community at Parliament House, Canberra
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, on Monday, October 28, 2014, helped usher in the Hindu New Year festival of Deepavali at Parliament House.
Senator Fierravanti-Wells used the event to acknowledge the contribution by Hindu Australians and delivered the Deepavali greetings at the celebration.
“Events such as these demonstrate Australia’s diversity and cultural richness that come from our strong connections to 300 ancestries,” she said.
“I have been delighted to join in Deepavali celebrations. On 18 October I attended the inaugural Council of Indian Australians Deepavali Fair at The Ponds in Sydney and on 19 October I joined thousands at a huge celebration organised by the Hindu Council of Australia at Parramatta Park, representing the Prime Minister.”
“Tonight, Senator Zed Seselja and I are co-hosting Deepavali celebrations, also organised by the Hindu Council of Australia.”
Senator Fierravanti-Wells, who has special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, said Hindu and other communities had contributed to the richness and vitality of Australia.
“We welcome and celebrate the valuable contribution our many communities have made to Australia’s social cohesion,” said Senator Fierravanti-Wells.
“I congratulate the Hindu Council of Australia for its contribution over the past 16 years to supporting and fostering growth and integration and the work of its participating organisations. The Council should also be commended for its active work in interfaith meetings and multicultural activities in Australia.”
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